10 artists who expanded their careers through their own companies
After the hell of a year that was 2020, it’s clear that nothing is ever permanent. Musicians, who make their money through merch and performances, had to stop touring. Concerts turned virtual, and meet-and-greets no longer existed. It made everyone, not just musicians, rethink the concept of stability. This is definitely why some musicians don’t […]
After the hell of a year that was 2020, it’s clear that nothing is ever permanent. Musicians, who make their money through merch and performances, had to stop touring. Concerts turned virtual, and meet-and-greets no longer existed.
It made everyone, not just musicians, rethink the concept of stability. This is definitely why some musicians don’t put all of their eggs into the basket of being a performer.
Musicians and celebrities have always ventured outside their role to get involved with other companies. Whether it’s starting their own record labels or venturing into other businesses such as fashion, beauty or food and beverage, musicians are always trying to find what’s next in their careers.
We decided to highlight 10 artists who took the plunge and started their own companies. You can check those out below.
Travis Barker
blink-182 drummer Travis Barker isn’t afraid of trying new things. So when he announced he was starting Barker Wellness, a line of cannabinoid-infused wellness products, it was not a huge surprise. The wide range of vegan products are different from your regular drugstore beauty items. And they urge you to try them out with some enticing branding.
Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte brothers Benji and Joel Maddenhave been longtime business owners. They’ve dabbled in fashion management before starting MDDN—their artist management, development and creative services business. They work with artists such as Sleeping With Sirens, Waterparks, Poppy, Chase Atlantic and more, so it’s quite successful. Additionally, they launched Veeps in 2017, a livestream concert platform that’s given artists relief during the pandemic.
Skrillex
Long after Sonny Moore‘s days in From First To Last, EDM powerhouse Skrillex is also a savvy businessman. He’s the creator of OWSLA, a label and creative collaborations company. OWSLA has dabbled in fashion merchandising, various media projects and philanthropic endeavors throughout its existence.
Hayley Williams
Paramore‘s Hayley Williams isn’t only a veteran vocalist and songwriter but also a beauty icon. Her hair dye company Good Dye Young is a modern-day brand made for people who love loud and fun hair. Since its inception in 2016, the company has been a leader in the temporary hair color line, and it’s only expected to keep growing.
Billy Corgan
Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins has a long history of not only being the central force of his band but also working in professional wrestling. He started in promotion for wrestling and eventually moved on to producing characters and storylines. And as of 2017, he’s been the owner of the National Wrestling Alliance and all its trademarks and championship belts.
Halsey
Halsey kicked off a career in the beauty industry this year when she unveiled a new makeup brand called about-face. The brand is a nod to her scene days of the past, aka the Myspace era, so it’s definitely made for us.
Post Malone
Outside of being one of the biggest names in hip-hop these days, Post Malone is also an entrepreneur in the wine business. He created his own rose wine, Maison No. 9, which sold out in two days. And he’s also heavily involved in promoting for Bud Light. So needless to say, Posty definitely has a future in the alcohol business.
Outside of Gwen Stefani‘s time in No Doubt, she was also working on a highly successful clothing line. She made most of the clothes she wore onstage while performing with No Doubt, which obviously inspired her to start her own line called L.A.M.B. Since its runway debut in 2004, it’s expanded to include perfumes, glasses and more.